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Through Mine Risk Education and clearance activities, MAG is reducing the risk from landmines and explosive remnants of conflict, helping create an environment where long-term development can take place. |
The problem
Following the 27-year civil war which ended in 2002, Angola is one of the most contaminated countries in the world. The Landmine Impact Survey of 2007 identified 1,988 communities as impacted by landmines and other remnants of conflict, with all 18 provinces, and an estimated 2.4 million people, affected.
The vast majority of the population is desperately poor, with the country having a UN Human Development Index ranking of 161 out of 177, life expectancy at birth of just 41 years, an under-five mortality rate of 260 (per thousand live births) and 38 per cent of the population being undernourished.
There remains a significant lack of access to, for example, education and health centres as a direct consequence of landmines.
How MAG is helping
The removal of landmines and unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Moxico Province – the most heavily contaminated province in the country – is helping the construction of houses and roads, and giving safe access to water and agricultural land. [Read more: Improving infrastructure in Moxico Province]
MAG also provides Mine Risk Education to help minimise the risks for people living, working and travelling through areas contaminated with landmines and/or UXO. An example of this was the special ‘Vote in Safety’ campaign in 2008.
See these pages for detailed information on MAG's latest work in Angola:
Your donation to MAG helps us to move into current and former conflict zones to clear the remnants of conflict, enabling recovery and assisting the development of affected populations.
Beneficiaries
By removing the threats to life and limb, MAG provides an environment where development can take place, relieving suffering and providing conflict recovery for those most in need.
Find out more
- MAG Angola in depth
- Alertnet country profile: Angola [external site]
- BBC country profile: Angola [external site]
- Landmine Monitor: Angola [external site]
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Luena, marked, is the site of MAG's operations base in Moxico [view larger map] |
MAG would like to express its thanks to the following donors to its Angola operations: DFID (UK Department for International Development); Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement, US Department of State; Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
December 2009
www.maginternational.org/angola
